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Registration Deadline Approaching for I-29 Dairy Conference

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – David Okerlund and a top-notch slate of dairy industry experts will focus on sustainability and industry perspective topics at the eighth annual I-29 Dairy Conference.

The 2013 I-29 Dairy Conference will be held Feb. 27 and 28 at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls, S.D. Producers should complete the online registration form at http://igrow.org/events/i-29-dairy-conference by Feb. 18, however registration will be accepted at the door. The event is coordinated by extension dairy specialists from the five states in the I-29 corridor.

David Okerlund, an International Hall of Fame speaker, will be the event’s keynote speaker talking about “The Joys of Stress.” Mr. Okerlund grew up in the rural Midwest and was nominated as the Outstanding Young Speech Educator in the first year of teaching in Iowa. His keynote presentation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.

“We’ve had a great response to the slate of speakers and are looking forward to strong attendance from dairy producers from all five states of the I-29 corridor,” said Kevin Lager, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and conference planning committee member.

Presentations on Thursday, Feb. 28 include:

“Cherished Cows Sometimes Do Make the Best Burgers: How to Create a Positive Mindset about Coping with Change,” David Okerlund

“Feeding for Uncertain Times,” Jim Linn, University of Minnesota

“What I am Doing to Make my Farm Business Sustainable,” Producer Panel

“Meeting the Challenges of the Dairy Industry in the Upper Midwest,” Industry Perspective Panel

Registration for the full conference is $30, including the dinner, the keynote presentation, and a wine and cheese reception on Feb. 27 and sessions on Feb. 28.

The conference is being coordinated by extension dairy specialists from North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, and South Dakota State University. Additional partners coordinating the conference include Midwest Dairy Association, Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group, and the Nebraska Corn Board.